817.00 Bandit Activities, 1931/287: Telegram
The Chargé in Nicaragua (Beaulac) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 26—12:31 a.m.]
204. My 203, November 24, 3 p.m. General Matthews is still in Leon with President Moncada. I have had no opportunity to see the latter since my 202, November 23, 5 p.m. Guardia has no new reports [Page 828] of bandit incursions and is inclined to believe bandits have withdrawn to the north away from the railroad. General Somoza, sub-Secretary of Foreign Affairs, has gone to Esteli to investigate the situation there for the President. The Guardia is arming all responsible citizens in Leon and Chinandega who volunteer to assist and some have accompanied patrols out of these cities.
The bandit situation appears as grave as, or graver than, at any time since I have been in Nicaragua. It has been aggravated by the beginning of the dry season and increased unemployment throughout the country. It is also stimulated and given political support by widespread discontent and dissension within the Liberal Party.
It is insistently reported here that arms used in the recent Ferrera revolt in Honduras27 have reached Gregorio Colindres, who apparently led bandit group that took Chichigalpa, and that Toribio Tijerino, Nicaraguan deportee now resident in Honduras, is responsible for furnishing them.